In a study conducted by Drs. Martin Seligman, Tracy Steen and Christopher Peterson, a group of people was asked to practice this gratitude exercise every day for one week. Even though the exercise lasted just one week, at the one-month follow-up, participants were happier and less depressed than they had been at baseline, and they stayed happier and less depressed at the three- and six-month follow-ups.
This practice primes our mind for gratitude, and helps overcome the brain's natural "negativity bias", a phenomenon by which we are wired to give more weight to negative rather than positive experiences or other kinds of information.
Grateful people are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their relationships and their overall lives. Grateful people have a higher sense of purpose in life, better coping skills, stronger circles of support, and less trouble sleeping.
The Exercise
Think of three things at home or involving your family that make you feel thankful. Use the index card provided to jot down two or three things in your personal life that make you feel thankful.
Next, turn the card over, and jot down one or two things from your professional life that make you feel grateful.
Finally, turn to your shoulder partner and share one of the things on your index card.
Gratitude Activity
The Rationale
In a study conducted by Drs. Martin Seligman, Tracy Steen and Christopher Peterson, a group of people was asked to practice this gratitude exercise every day for one week. Even though the exercise lasted just one week, at the one-month follow-up, participants were happier and less depressed than they had been at baseline, and they stayed happier and less depressed at the three- and six-month follow-ups.
This practice primes our mind for gratitude, and helps overcome the brain's natural "negativity bias", a phenomenon by which we are wired to give more weight to negative rather than positive experiences or other kinds of information.
Grateful people are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their relationships and their overall lives. Grateful people have a higher sense of purpose in life, better coping skills, stronger circles of support, and less trouble sleeping.
The Exercise
Think of three things at home or involving your family that make you feel thankful. Use the index card provided to jot down two or three things in your personal life that make you feel thankful.
Next, turn the card over, and jot down one or two things from your professional life that make you feel grateful.
Finally, turn to your shoulder partner and share one of the things on your index card.